Air traffic control at Fort Worth\u2019s military base has been modernized after an upgrade to a decades-old radar system.<\/p>\n
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth installed a new AN\/FPN-68A Precision Approach Radar system with enhanced digital capabilities that can track an aircraft\u2019s exact altitude and runway alignment, as well as monitor weather incidents and nearby obstacles, according to a news release.<\/p>\n
Officials said the advanced digital radar system allows air traffic controllers to guide military pilots safely to the runway in poor-visibility conditions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Leading Chief Timothy Wall said the modern technology replaces a radar system that was installed in the late 1970s.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe AN\/FPN-63 entered service around 1978 and had long exceeded its intended service life,\u201d Wall, a leader in the base modernization effort, said in a statement. \u201cAs its analog parts became obsolete, maintenance grew increasingly difficult, which steadily reduced our system availability.\u201d<\/p>\n
Officials said air traffic controllers will benefit from data that is more precise in determining aircraft positioning. The system\u2019s reliability will result in fewer weather-related delays and cancellations.<\/p>\n
\u201cModernizing our air traffic control infrastructure with the AN\/FPN-68A directly supports our joint mission and improves safety for all who fly here,\u201d said Capt. Beau Hufstetler, the base\u2019s commanding officer. \u201cThis system will pay dividends for years to come in readiness and mission effectiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n
The base \u2014 established in 1941 as Carswell Air Force Base \u2014 is where Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. assembles the F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth contributed about $4.7 billion to the Texas economy in 2025, a state report<\/a> showed. The base ranked fourth in the state, following Joint Base San Antonio with $53.5 billion, Fort Hood in Killeen with $37.9 billion, and Fort Bliss in El Paso with $29 billion, according to the Texas comptroller report released July 2.<\/p>\n Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n